So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Nice thread Stown...looking forward to your recaps next season.
Mark
Collecting PSA graded Steve Young, Marcus Allen, Bret Saberhagen and 1980s Topps Cards. Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
Nice thread Stown...looking forward to your recaps next season.
Mark
Agreed. The colorful pics and recaps were very entertaining. And life is so much better without the Axclown spewing all his nonsensical crap. This board is a lot more pleasant now, due to his banishment, without a doubt.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
May 24, 2007 By Pete Prisco CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Oh, he's that guy.
Mario Williams will always be the guy the Houston Texans picked first in the 2006 NFL Draft, instead of taking the electrifying Reggie Bush or hometown hero Vince Young.
No matter what he does the rest of his career -- only in its second year -- Williams will always be targeted as the blown pick by the Texans, passing on a star runner and a freakish quarterback.
Mario Williams will be making his moves from the right side of the defensive line in 2007. (AP) That just isn't fair.
While Bush and Young had nice rookie seasons, with Young winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award for the Tennessee Titans and Bush part of the New Orleans Saints' feel-good season. Williams saw his game picked apart on a regular basis. It didn't help when Young ran 39 yards for a touchdown in overtime to give the Titans a 26-20 victory over the Texans in his return to Houston last season.
But give Williams time. He will be a pass-rush force and five years from now Williams will be known for more than just being that guy.
You will be penciling in All-Pro next to his name. For now, he has to hear the talk of how he's the player the Texans shouldn't have drafted.
"I don't worry about it," Williams said this week. "I can't dwell on it. You have to take the bad with the good. Nobody likes defensive linemen anyway and when I came out with the skill people I did in the draft, they weren't excited about me being picked. That's the way it is. I understand it. I hear it. But it's not a big deal."
Highlight programs loved showing off Young last year. And they loved showing off Bush. Williams? His game was mostly scrutinized in a negative way.
Where were the sacks?
Williams started all 16 games and finished with 4½ sacks. When he got his first in the first week in October against Miami, a big deal was made of it -- almost mockingly, in fact. The headline of the story when he got one was this: Finally.
What people didn't know was that Williams played with a painful foot condition known as plantar fasciitis all season. He wouldn't practice during the week because of the pain, yet played all 16 games.
"I was taking two shots on game day for the pain and it still hurt," Williams said. "But I'm the type of person who can't stand to sit out. I didn't want to be standing and watching and cheering. But it was tough."
It was also tough being moved all around the defensive line. He played both end spots, played some tackle and even stood up as a pass rusher, which prevented him from really getting comfortable. Making the transition to the NFL is tough enough for any defensive lineman, but it's even tougher when you're being moved around like that.
Some of the top sackers in the league didn't have big numbers as rookies. Jason Taylor had five for the Dolphins. Michael Strahan had one for the New York Giants. The top two defensive ends in terms of sacks in 2006 were Green Bay's Aaron Kampman with 15½ and Aaron Schobel of the Buffalo Bills with 14. As rookies, Kampman had a half sack and Schobel had 6½.
The difference is none of those players was the first overall pick. That accelerates the timetable, fair or not.
The sore foot prevented Williams from pushing off the way he wanted to, which limited his explosiveness. That's where sacks come from, speed and explosiveness off the corner.
"There was a lot of adversity," Williams said.
Things are much more settled now. The Texans have moved Williams from the left end to the right side on a permanent basis. That's the side for pass rushers on most teams. It's usually where speedy 260-pound players come off the corner. At 6-feet-6 and 290 pounds, Williams is one of the bigger right ends.
To help prepare for the move, and hopefully increase his speed, he has hired a chef to help him with his eating. In the past, he would usually stop for fast food since he didn't really have time to cook. Now he has prepared meals waiting for him when he gets home, mostly healthy stuff.
"I've leaned up," Williams said, although his weight is the same. "Now I just pop the meals in the microwave and eat. And I eat lots of healthy vegetables and fruit."
The foot feels good, too. He took time off after the season and said the rest has him back close to 100 percent. Surgery was an option, but the doctors decided rest would be enough to improve the injury.
He is now joined on the defensive line by tackle Amobi Okoye, Houston's first-round pick last month. At 19, Okoye will spend a lot of time as the under-tackle and will often line up next to Williams.
"I feel like the old man at 22," Williams said.
The adjustment to the right side will take time. On the left side, you put your left hand down. On the right side, it's the right hand. There are also different techniques used on each side.
"You lean different ways," Williams said. "You use different muscles for different things. It's like being right-handed and doing things with your left. You have to get used to it. You have to be comfortable. I'm starting to feel that now."
He is also comfortable with being the first overall pick. The doubters can compare him to Sam Bowie all they want. Bowie, who was drafted ahead of Michael Jordan in one of the worst draft moves ever, is considered the poster child for teams mistakenly passing up on stars.
This is not that kind of situation. After a year, it might look that way.
"The thing is you can't really make a judgment after one year," Williams said. "In time, people will see what I can do."
Mario Williams will be a star. You wait and see. In 2007, the signs will show. By 2008, he will be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
By then, he will no longer be that guy. Who knows? Maybe Young and Bush will be known as those other guys.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Plenty of pictures this year and since I'm the eternal optimist, 16-0!
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Looking forward to seeing your photos Stown, your recap last year was great. (And after KC, I will root for a 15-1 finish for you.)
Mark
Collecting PSA graded Steve Young, Marcus Allen, Bret Saberhagen and 1980s Topps Cards. Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
As a side note, while Schaub has yet to start a game for us, I'm truely excited about him. He has a presence, attitude, and just positive vibes that Carr was unable to portray.
I'm honestly pumped up about this year.
Or maybe it's this brutal hangover...
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
<< <i>As a side note, while Schaub has yet to start a game for us, I'm truely excited about him. He has a presence, attitude, and just positive vibes that Carr was unable to portray. >>
With Mike Vick's career apparently gone to the dogs, I suspect Atlanta wishes they could have a do-over with Schaub. Joey Harrington? BWAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!
<< <i>As a side note, while Schaub has yet to start a game for us, I'm truely excited about him. He has a presence, attitude, and just positive vibes that Carr was unable to portray. >>
With Mike Vick's career apparently gone to the dogs, I suspect Atlanta wishes they could have a do-over with Schaub. Joey Harrington? BWAHAHAHAHAAAAAA! >>
During practice, you could hear Matt taking a leadership role. It's something we have never experienced before.
Good times
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Last day of open practice and it was hot as hell out there. However, the blistering sun didn't prevent at least 2K fans show up to support the home team.
1st team took a majority of snaps. TONS of hard hits, spectacular catches, and crazy moves which got plenty of oooooohs and cheers from the peanut gallery
A leaping, one handed TD by Owen Daniels
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Fantastic article on 20-year old rookie Amobi Okoye -> here
Aug. 6, 2007, 8:16AM TEXANS TRAINING CAMP
Life's a message of hope for defensive lineman Okoye The turmoil of Nigeria and an escape to the United States make a rookie's accomplishments something to behold
By MEGAN MANFULL Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
Texans rookie Amobi Okoye can understand why people would think he has lived a charmed life.
The defensive tackle didn't touch a football or even catch a glimpse of the sport until he was 12. Yet by 16, he was enrolled at the University of Louisville on a full scholarship as the youngest player in college football. By 19, he had earned his degree in psychology and become the youngest player selected in the first round of the NFL draft since 1970.
When the regular season kicks off in September, Okoye, who turned 20 in June, will be the youngest player in the NFL. However, he wants to be known for more than that.
Off the field, Okoye wants to help children in the community whose lives are anything but charmed. There's a connection he feels to them that few understand.
"Most people just know about the positives of my life story," Okoye said. "But I've been in situations when I was younger where things were perfect and where everything was just outrageously terrible."
As recently as eight years ago, Okoye worried almost daily that his father Augustine — or someone else he loved — might be killed by simply opening his mouth. In 1993, when the military overthrew the government in Nigeria, turmoil erupted in Okoye's native country.
"When the military took over, they were very hostile," said Augustine, who owned his own business and was a major contractor for the government before the coup. "They went from being hostile to a dictatorship. No freedom of speech. If you said something, you were either killed or something. It got real bad.
"I'm not the kind of person that likes to keep his mouth shut. I like to say my opinion."
Edna and Augustine Okoye tried to shelter their three children — Chioma, Arinze and Amobi — from the danger in Lagos, Nigeria, the capital of the country and its largest city. But none of the children was oblivious to the chaos.
"When riots were going on, our mom would say, 'You're not going to school today. You just stay home and read your books,' " said Arinze, 21. "It wasn't safe. You'd be driving on the road, and they would literally stop your car and ask who you were voting for. If you said the wrong person, they were liable to do some things to you. So my mom would just keep us home."
Ready to make the move Eventually, living in Nigeria became too dangerous for the Okoyes. Augustine had attended college at Prairie View A&M and often traveled to the United States on business, so relocating the family to the U.S. was an easy decision.
Augustine made the first move, leaving Nigeria and settling in Huntsville, Ala., a town he thought would be perfect for raising his children. In October 1999, he sent for his family.
Amobi, then 12, and his siblings were excited about the move. They spoke English along with Igbo, their native language, and the American culture already had begun seeping into their lives. They liked the cartoon Tom and Jerry and the movie The Sound of Music. They were well-versed in American music and hung on their father's every word when he recounted his experiences in America — a country they associated with hope.
"In Nigeria, I just saw us losing everything we had," Amobi said. "It was kind of like, 'Hey, what's going on?'
"That's why I say I do things for my parents — because they uplifted us. They did everything as a parent that they were supposed to do, and I just hope I can become as good of a parent as they have been."
The move turned out to be everything Edna and Augustine had hoped for their children. Amobi, now , realized his American dream by signing a six-year contract worth as much as $17.6 million with the Texans.
Yet despite such good fortune, Okoye cannot accept the notion he moved to Houston solely to play football.
"I feel like I wasn't put here for people to just see what I've accomplished but to spread out like a tree branch — just spread farther out," said Okoye, who always dreamed of becoming a doctor or child psychologist. "And I really feel like that's what my plan and purpose here is."
That belief is what led him to the Krause Center in Katy two days before the start of his first NFL training camp. At the residential facility for abused and neglected children, the 6-2, 302-pound Okoye, wearing a white polo shirt emblazoned with the Texans' logo, was an impressive figure.
The boys at the center, ranging from 11 to 17 in age, were awed by his presence.
But Okoye wasn't there to boost his ego or to fulfill a commitment to the team — he was visiting on his own and before his contract was signed. During his two-hour stay, he toured the facilities, played basketball and talked about life.
He spoke about football and being part of a team. He talked about his education and his constant desire to succeed so his parents will be proud. Anything the boys asked, Okoye answered. The turmoil he encountered in Nigeria never was mentioned, but all of his stories had an underlying message of hope.
A childhood of learning "(Living in Nigeria) helped me become who I am," Okoye said after he left the Krause Center. "It's sad that I want to say this, but I think everybody should go through something like that.
"If people can get to being a so-called, quote-unquote normal human being who is humble, respectful and people-smart without going through that, it would be lovely. But experience is the best teacher, as they say, and things like that do humble you and make you appreciate what you have. It makes you just want to give thanks."
And in Okoye's case, give back.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Surf and turf fajitas (lobster - whoa!) with a side of sausage Homemade guacamole Peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies Beer. Lots and lots of beer.
I'm ready for some football!
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
It started off hot as hades, then poured like cats and dogs (while grilling, mind you), then froze our areses off in the stadium.. Gotta love Houston weather.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
HOUSTON (AP) -- Matt Schaub's first pass for the Houston Texans was for 2 yards. His second one was dropped.
This revamped Texans offense sure looks a lot like the old one.
Schaub, who replaced David Carr after backing up Michael Vick for three years in Atlanta, had an inauspicious debut going 3-for-5 for 25 yards. But the defending NFC champion Chicago Bears scored 13 fourth quarter points, including a 47-yard go-ahead field goal by Robbie Gould with 2:23 remaining to beat the Texans 20-19 in the exhibition opener for both teams Saturday night.
The Texans got Schaub in a trade with the Falcons in March and released Carr, the No. 1 pick in 2002, after he failed to lead Houston to a winning record in five seasons.
That first drive, which also featured a 1-yard run by new Texan Ahman Green, ended in a punt. On his second and last series, Schaub looked a bit better, finding Andre Johnson for a 15-yard gain and Owen Daniels up the middle for 8 yards.
The Texans had to settle for a field goal that put them ahead 3-0 after Schaub overthrew a wide-open Kevin Walter in the end zone on third-and-4.
And this was against a Bears defense missing both Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher and star defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who didn't even suit up.
The 30-year-old Green, who signed with the Texans in March after seven seasons in Green Bay, finished with three carries for 7 yards.
Rex Grossman, hoping for more consistency in his second full season at starter, looked sharp in two series and completed his first eight passes. He found first-round pick Greg Olsen for a 5-yard gain before hitting Muhsin Muhammad for 10 yards on the first drive.
But two penalties in that series stalled the drive and the Bears failed to score after a 52-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left. Grossman was 8-of-10 for 50 yards.
Cedric Benson, in his first season as the featured back, had five carries for 23 yards. It was the first career preseason game for the former University of Texas standout after he sat out as a rookie because of contract negotiations and last year with a shoulder sprain.
Backup Brian Griese's first pass was intercepted by Von Hutchins, who ran it back 20 yards. The Texans added another field goal that made it 6-0 after Ron Dayne was stuffed for a 1-yard loss on from the 1 on third down.
Griese redeemed himself on the next drive, finding Mark Bradley for a 31-yard gain before a short touchdown pass to fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo put Chicago ahead 7-6 in the second.
The NFL suspended Ayanbadejo for the first four regular-season games without pay for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances on Thursday. He denied taking steroids and blamed the test results on an over-the-counter supplement. The suspension begins Sept. 1.
Houston's Jerome Mathis returned a kickoff 78 yards after the Bears' TD. The third year player, who missed 14 games with injuries last season after making the Pro Bowl as a rookie, was finally brought down by Gould.
Three straight incomplete passes by backup Sage Rosenfels brought out Kris Brown for his third field goal, a 42-yarder, to make it 9-7. Brown also had a 29-yard field goal before halftime.
Jeb Putzier caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Rosenfels in the third quarter to push Houston's lead to 19-7.
Last year's No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams, playing at right end exclusively, didn't have a tackle and rookie tackle Amobi Okoye had just one assist. Okoye, drafted 10th this year, did get in the backfield once and hurried Grossman.
A 3-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Fontel Mines cut the lead to 19-14 early in the fourth quarter and Gould added a 44-yard field goal with 4:52 to play.
Rookie Jacoby Jones, a third round pick out of Division II Lane College, led the Texans with four receptions for 47 yards and also had a 22-yard punt return.
Thank you for proving once again that you only get insight from ESPN rather than 1st hand knowledge.
Edited to add:
Funny that you blast the "East coast media" in one post yet use it as a source in another.
HYPOCRITE.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Too bad cross country bandwagoners will never know the experience.
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Too bad cross country bandwagoners will never know the experience.
>>
Go home team!
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Typical Texans last night, converting first and goals into field goals early on. Several gives to Dayne up the middle? Such imaginative play calling; I can't imagine how the Bears defense could have seen that coming and stop it.
If you want to see more, please PM me and we can go from there
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Bet with her #1 "lock" and got absolutely CRUSHED.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Eat crow, BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYATCH!!
And say goodbye to Grandma's basement.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Bet with her #1 "lock" and got absolutely CRUSHED.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Eat crow, BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYATCH!!
And say goodbye to Grandma's basement.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Bet with her #1 "lock" and got absolutely CRUSHED.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Eat crow, BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYATCH!!
And say goodbye to Grandma's basement.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
Poor Tinkerbell. Enjoying Grandma's basement before it goes into foreclosure
<< <i>1. KC >>
Kansas City 3 Houston 20
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
So basically my kid won't be able to go to college, but at least I'll have a set where the three most expensive cards are of a player I despise ~ CDsNuts
The Texans are looking good and tinkerbell could not be more irate about it I did a tally on the Stown/Ax arguments and crunched the win/loss #'s and listed them below..
<< <i>Why wouldn't I want the texans to win today you moron? The panthers are in the bucs division, tool.
Bucs are in first place thanks to a texans win...not like the texans are going to win too many more games.
What's the matter perk, still bitter because your team's been exposed as FRAUDS and CHEATERS? Get lost, retard. >>
Get lost? NAH, Im going to continue to post where and when I feel, and I actually look forward to Stown schooling you and making you look silly EVERY time.
MY Patriots have moved on so you should too, I know your going to act upset about this to fit in with the other guys on this sight but be advised... you are like the kid that walks into a party and everyone whispers "Who invited this clown" and avoids like the dip with broken chips in it.
First, moron, it's 'site' not 'sight'...secondly, we'll see SD own the pats now that the 'genius' has had his advantage (i.e. cheating) taken away.
Again, where did I suggest I'd want the panthers to beat the texans you dolt? Please post it...and please don't post again about that until you find evidence where I would root for a division opponent to beat the texans. I wonder how long you've self-medicated before posting.
AX if you are soooooooo confident my Pats cannot win without cheating, why not put your trash talk on the line? I say my PATS win. How about if they win you go away for a month? If SD wins I will go away for a month? LMK diahrea mouth.
<< <i>Nah, I like posting here and I don't have a vested interest in the game either way.
But I do admit I find a special kind of happiness in shredding your posts after you tried to insult my intelligence - thanks! >>
Hey, if your scared just say your scared fat boy. But could you imagine what your life would be like if you couldn't post here for an entire month though? OH my Horror, you would go out of your mind! I would be willing to bet you would take solice in lots and lots of comfort food huh! McDonalds double cheeseburgers, fries and cokes- super sized ofcourse... Maybe a few chocolate frappes? LOL Could you imagine!
Comments
<< <i>or Domanick Davis. >>
Can you say Adrian "Glass Jaw" Peterson?
<< <i>or Domanick Davis. >>
You mean the back *formerly known as* Domanick Davis?
Mark
Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
Mark
Agreed. The colorful pics and recaps were very entertaining. And life is so much better without the Axclown spewing all his nonsensical crap. This board is a lot more pleasant now, due to his banishment, without a doubt.
Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
Thanks
Secondly, BEST. MARIO. ARTICLE. EVER.
Link
'Mistake' Williams will be a pass-rushing force
May 24, 2007
By Pete Prisco
CBS SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Oh, he's that guy.
Mario Williams will always be the guy the Houston Texans picked first in the 2006 NFL Draft, instead of taking the electrifying Reggie Bush or hometown hero Vince Young.
No matter what he does the rest of his career -- only in its second year -- Williams will always be targeted as the blown pick by the Texans, passing on a star runner and a freakish quarterback.
Mario Williams will be making his moves from the right side of the defensive line in 2007. (AP)
That just isn't fair.
While Bush and Young had nice rookie seasons, with Young winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award for the Tennessee Titans and Bush part of the New Orleans Saints' feel-good season. Williams saw his game picked apart on a regular basis. It didn't help when Young ran 39 yards for a touchdown in overtime to give the Titans a 26-20 victory over the Texans in his return to Houston last season.
But give Williams time. He will be a pass-rush force and five years from now Williams will be known for more than just being that guy.
You will be penciling in All-Pro next to his name. For now, he has to hear the talk of how he's the player the Texans shouldn't have drafted.
"I don't worry about it," Williams said this week. "I can't dwell on it. You have to take the bad with the good. Nobody likes defensive linemen anyway and when I came out with the skill people I did in the draft, they weren't excited about me being picked. That's the way it is. I understand it. I hear it. But it's not a big deal."
Highlight programs loved showing off Young last year. And they loved showing off Bush. Williams? His game was mostly scrutinized in a negative way.
Where were the sacks?
Williams started all 16 games and finished with 4½ sacks. When he got his first in the first week in October against Miami, a big deal was made of it -- almost mockingly, in fact. The headline of the story when he got one was this: Finally.
What people didn't know was that Williams played with a painful foot condition known as plantar fasciitis all season. He wouldn't practice during the week because of the pain, yet played all 16 games.
"I was taking two shots on game day for the pain and it still hurt," Williams said. "But I'm the type of person who can't stand to sit out. I didn't want to be standing and watching and cheering. But it was tough."
It was also tough being moved all around the defensive line. He played both end spots, played some tackle and even stood up as a pass rusher, which prevented him from really getting comfortable. Making the transition to the NFL is tough enough for any defensive lineman, but it's even tougher when you're being moved around like that.
Some of the top sackers in the league didn't have big numbers as rookies. Jason Taylor had five for the Dolphins. Michael Strahan had one for the New York Giants. The top two defensive ends in terms of sacks in 2006 were Green Bay's Aaron Kampman with 15½ and Aaron Schobel of the Buffalo Bills with 14. As rookies, Kampman had a half sack and Schobel had 6½.
The difference is none of those players was the first overall pick. That accelerates the timetable, fair or not.
The sore foot prevented Williams from pushing off the way he wanted to, which limited his explosiveness. That's where sacks come from, speed and explosiveness off the corner.
"There was a lot of adversity," Williams said.
Things are much more settled now. The Texans have moved Williams from the left end to the right side on a permanent basis. That's the side for pass rushers on most teams. It's usually where speedy 260-pound players come off the corner. At 6-feet-6 and 290 pounds, Williams is one of the bigger right ends.
To help prepare for the move, and hopefully increase his speed, he has hired a chef to help him with his eating. In the past, he would usually stop for fast food since he didn't really have time to cook. Now he has prepared meals waiting for him when he gets home, mostly healthy stuff.
"I've leaned up," Williams said, although his weight is the same. "Now I just pop the meals in the microwave and eat. And I eat lots of healthy vegetables and fruit."
The foot feels good, too. He took time off after the season and said the rest has him back close to 100 percent. Surgery was an option, but the doctors decided rest would be enough to improve the injury.
He is now joined on the defensive line by tackle Amobi Okoye, Houston's first-round pick last month. At 19, Okoye will spend a lot of time as the under-tackle and will often line up next to Williams.
"I feel like the old man at 22," Williams said.
The adjustment to the right side will take time. On the left side, you put your left hand down. On the right side, it's the right hand. There are also different techniques used on each side.
"You lean different ways," Williams said. "You use different muscles for different things. It's like being right-handed and doing things with your left. You have to get used to it. You have to be comfortable. I'm starting to feel that now."
He is also comfortable with being the first overall pick. The doubters can compare him to Sam Bowie all they want. Bowie, who was drafted ahead of Michael Jordan in one of the worst draft moves ever, is considered the poster child for teams mistakenly passing up on stars.
This is not that kind of situation. After a year, it might look that way.
"The thing is you can't really make a judgment after one year," Williams said. "In time, people will see what I can do."
Mario Williams will be a star. You wait and see. In 2007, the signs will show. By 2008, he will be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
By then, he will no longer be that guy. Who knows? Maybe Young and Bush will be known as those other guys.
Are you ready for some football?!?!
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Mark
Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
We signed Okoye, so he'll be in training camp today.
Link
As a side note, while Schaub has yet to start a game for us, I'm truely excited about him. He has a presence, attitude, and just positive vibes that Carr was unable to portray.
I'm honestly pumped up about this year.
Or maybe it's this brutal hangover...
<< <i>As a side note, while Schaub has yet to start a game for us, I'm truely excited about him. He has a presence, attitude, and just positive vibes that Carr was unable to portray. >>
With Mike Vick's career apparently gone to the dogs, I suspect Atlanta wishes they could have a do-over with Schaub. Joey Harrington? BWAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!
Schaub could very well be a great QB, but without a serious revamping of the Texans' O-line, he'll never show it.
<< <i>
<< <i>As a side note, while Schaub has yet to start a game for us, I'm truely excited about him. He has a presence, attitude, and just positive vibes that Carr was unable to portray. >>
With Mike Vick's career apparently gone to the dogs, I suspect Atlanta wishes they could have a do-over with Schaub. Joey Harrington? BWAHAHAHAHAAAAAA! >>
During practice, you could hear Matt taking a leadership role. It's something we have never experienced before.
Good times
1st team took a majority of snaps. TONS of hard hits, spectacular catches, and crazy moves which got plenty of oooooohs and cheers from the peanut gallery
A leaping, one handed TD by Owen Daniels
Aug. 6, 2007, 8:16AM
TEXANS TRAINING CAMP
Life's a message of hope for defensive lineman Okoye
The turmoil of Nigeria and an escape to the United States make a rookie's accomplishments something to behold
By MEGAN MANFULL
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
Texans rookie Amobi Okoye can understand why people would think he has lived a charmed life.
The defensive tackle didn't touch a football or even catch a glimpse of the sport until he was 12. Yet by 16, he was enrolled at the University of Louisville on a full scholarship as the youngest player in college football. By 19, he had earned his degree in psychology and become the youngest player selected in the first round of the NFL draft since 1970.
When the regular season kicks off in September, Okoye, who turned 20 in June, will be the youngest player in the NFL. However, he wants to be known for more than that.
Off the field, Okoye wants to help children in the community whose lives are anything but charmed. There's a connection he feels to them that few understand.
"Most people just know about the positives of my life story," Okoye said. "But I've been in situations when I was younger where things were perfect and where everything was just outrageously terrible."
As recently as eight years ago, Okoye worried almost daily that his father Augustine — or someone else he loved — might be killed by simply opening his mouth. In 1993, when the military overthrew the government in Nigeria, turmoil erupted in Okoye's native country.
"When the military took over, they were very hostile," said Augustine, who owned his own business and was a major contractor for the government before the coup. "They went from being hostile to a dictatorship. No freedom of speech. If you said something, you were either killed or something. It got real bad.
"I'm not the kind of person that likes to keep his mouth shut. I like to say my opinion."
Edna and Augustine Okoye tried to shelter their three children — Chioma, Arinze and Amobi — from the danger in Lagos, Nigeria, the capital of the country and its largest city. But none of the children was oblivious to the chaos.
"When riots were going on, our mom would say, 'You're not going to school today. You just stay home and read your books,' " said Arinze, 21. "It wasn't safe. You'd be driving on the road, and they would literally stop your car and ask who you were voting for. If you said the wrong person, they were liable to do some things to you. So my mom would just keep us home."
Ready to make the move
Eventually, living in Nigeria became too dangerous for the Okoyes. Augustine had attended college at Prairie View A&M and often traveled to the United States on business, so relocating the family to the U.S. was an easy decision.
Augustine made the first move, leaving Nigeria and settling in Huntsville, Ala., a town he thought would be perfect for raising his children. In October 1999, he sent for his family.
Amobi, then 12, and his siblings were excited about the move. They spoke English along with Igbo, their native language, and the American culture already had begun seeping into their lives. They liked the cartoon Tom and Jerry and the movie The Sound of Music. They were well-versed in American music and hung on their father's every word when he recounted his experiences in America — a country they associated with hope.
"In Nigeria, I just saw us losing everything we had," Amobi said. "It was kind of like, 'Hey, what's going on?'
"That's why I say I do things for my parents — because they uplifted us. They did everything as a parent that they were supposed to do, and I just hope I can become as good of a parent as they have been."
The move turned out to be everything Edna and Augustine had hoped for their children. Amobi, now , realized his American dream by signing a six-year contract worth as much as $17.6 million with the Texans.
Yet despite such good fortune, Okoye cannot accept the notion he moved to Houston solely to play football.
"I feel like I wasn't put here for people to just see what I've accomplished but to spread out like a tree branch — just spread farther out," said Okoye, who always dreamed of becoming a doctor or child psychologist. "And I really feel like that's what my plan and purpose here is."
That belief is what led him to the Krause Center in Katy two days before the start of his first NFL training camp. At the residential facility for abused and neglected children, the 6-2, 302-pound Okoye, wearing a white polo shirt emblazoned with the Texans' logo, was an impressive figure.
The boys at the center, ranging from 11 to 17 in age, were awed by his presence.
But Okoye wasn't there to boost his ego or to fulfill a commitment to the team — he was visiting on his own and before his contract was signed. During his two-hour stay, he toured the facilities, played basketball and talked about life.
He spoke about football and being part of a team. He talked about his education and his constant desire to succeed so his parents will be proud. Anything the boys asked, Okoye answered. The turmoil he encountered in Nigeria never was mentioned, but all of his stories had an underlying message of hope.
A childhood of learning
"(Living in Nigeria) helped me become who I am," Okoye said after he left the Krause Center. "It's sad that I want to say this, but I think everybody should go through something like that.
"If people can get to being a so-called, quote-unquote normal human being who is humble, respectful and people-smart without going through that, it would be lovely. But experience is the best teacher, as they say, and things like that do humble you and make you appreciate what you have. It makes you just want to give thanks."
And in Okoye's case, give back.
Surf and turf fajitas (lobster - whoa!) with a side of sausage
Homemade guacamole
Peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies
Beer. Lots and lots of beer.
I'm ready for some football!
Bears 20, Texans 19.
HOUSTON (AP) -- Matt Schaub's first pass for the Houston Texans was for 2 yards. His second one was dropped.
This revamped Texans offense sure looks a lot like the old one.
Schaub, who replaced David Carr after backing up Michael Vick for three years in Atlanta, had an inauspicious debut going 3-for-5 for 25 yards. But the defending NFC champion Chicago Bears scored 13 fourth quarter points, including a 47-yard go-ahead field goal by Robbie Gould with 2:23 remaining to beat the Texans 20-19 in the exhibition opener for both teams Saturday night.
The Texans got Schaub in a trade with the Falcons in March and released Carr, the No. 1 pick in 2002, after he failed to lead Houston to a winning record in five seasons.
That first drive, which also featured a 1-yard run by new Texan Ahman Green, ended in a punt. On his second and last series, Schaub looked a bit better, finding Andre Johnson for a 15-yard gain and Owen Daniels up the middle for 8 yards.
The Texans had to settle for a field goal that put them ahead 3-0 after Schaub overthrew a wide-open Kevin Walter in the end zone on third-and-4.
And this was against a Bears defense missing both Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher and star defensive tackle Tommie Harris, who didn't even suit up.
The 30-year-old Green, who signed with the Texans in March after seven seasons in Green Bay, finished with three carries for 7 yards.
Rex Grossman, hoping for more consistency in his second full season at starter, looked sharp in two series and completed his first eight passes. He found first-round pick Greg Olsen for a 5-yard gain before hitting Muhsin Muhammad for 10 yards on the first drive.
But two penalties in that series stalled the drive and the Bears failed to score after a 52-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left. Grossman was 8-of-10 for 50 yards.
Cedric Benson, in his first season as the featured back, had five carries for 23 yards. It was the first career preseason game for the former University of Texas standout after he sat out as a rookie because of contract negotiations and last year with a shoulder sprain.
Backup Brian Griese's first pass was intercepted by Von Hutchins, who ran it back 20 yards. The Texans added another field goal that made it 6-0 after Ron Dayne was stuffed for a 1-yard loss on from the 1 on third down.
Griese redeemed himself on the next drive, finding Mark Bradley for a 31-yard gain before a short touchdown pass to fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo put Chicago ahead 7-6 in the second.
The NFL suspended Ayanbadejo for the first four regular-season games without pay for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances on Thursday. He denied taking steroids and blamed the test results on an over-the-counter supplement. The suspension begins Sept. 1.
Houston's Jerome Mathis returned a kickoff 78 yards after the Bears' TD. The third year player, who missed 14 games with injuries last season after making the Pro Bowl as a rookie, was finally brought down by Gould.
Three straight incomplete passes by backup Sage Rosenfels brought out Kris Brown for his third field goal, a 42-yarder, to make it 9-7. Brown also had a 29-yard field goal before halftime.
Jeb Putzier caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Rosenfels in the third quarter to push Houston's lead to 19-7.
Last year's No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams, playing at right end exclusively, didn't have a tackle and rookie tackle Amobi Okoye had just one assist. Okoye, drafted 10th this year, did get in the backfield once and hurried Grossman.
A 3-yard touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Fontel Mines cut the lead to 19-14 early in the fourth quarter and Gould added a 44-yard field goal with 4:52 to play.
Rookie Jacoby Jones, a third round pick out of Division II Lane College, led the Texans with four receptions for 47 yards and also had a 22-yard punt return.
Edited to add:
Funny that you blast the "East coast media" in one post yet use it as a source in another.
HYPOCRITE.
Too bad cross country bandwagoners will never know the experience.
<< <i>Home team games.
Too bad cross country bandwagoners will never know the experience.
Go home team!
Additional pictures posted somewhere else.
If you want to see more, please PM me and we can go from there
<< <i>Week One 'Locks'? >>
<< <i>1. KC >>
Poor Tinkerbell.
Bet with her #1 "lock" and got absolutely CRUSHED.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Eat crow, BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYATCH!!
And say goodbye to Grandma's basement.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Unlike YOU, I own my own home.
<< <i>Week One 'Locks'? >>
<< <i>1. KC >>
Poor Tinkerbell.
Bet with her #1 "lock" and got absolutely CRUSHED.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Eat crow, BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYATCH!!
And say goodbye to Grandma's basement.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
So easily baited he comes out of 'retirement'...bwahaha
<< <i>Week One 'Locks'? >>
<< <i>1. KC >>
Poor Tinkerbell.
Bet with her #1 "lock" and got absolutely CRUSHED.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Eat crow, BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYATCH!!
And say goodbye to Grandma's basement.
BAWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
<< <i>Poor stown, so desperate for attention he can't help but post the same BS over and over again!
So easily baited he comes out of 'retirement'...bwahaha >>
<< <i>1. KC >>
Kansas City 3
Houston 20
<< <i>1. KC >>
Kansas City 3
Houston 20
EAT CROW, BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATCH!
The Texans are looking good and tinkerbell could not be more irate about it
Stown- 1000
AX-0
Bucs are in first place thanks to a texans win...not like the texans are going to win too many more games.
What's the matter perk, still bitter because your team's been exposed as FRAUDS and CHEATERS? Get lost, retard.
<< <i>Why wouldn't I want the texans to win today you moron? The panthers are in the bucs division, tool.
Bucs are in first place thanks to a texans win...not like the texans are going to win too many more games.
What's the matter perk, still bitter because your team's been exposed as FRAUDS and CHEATERS? Get lost, retard. >>
Get lost? NAH, Im going to continue to post where and when I feel, and I actually look forward to Stown schooling you and making you look silly EVERY time.
MY Patriots have moved on so you should too, I know your going to act upset about this to fit in with the other guys on this sight but be advised... you are like the kid that walks into a party and everyone whispers "Who invited this clown" and avoids like the dip with broken chips in it.
Again, where did I suggest I'd want the panthers to beat the texans you dolt? Please post it...and please don't post again about that until you find evidence where I would root for a division opponent to beat the texans. I wonder how long you've self-medicated before posting.
But I do admit I find a special kind of happiness in shredding your posts after you tried to insult my intelligence - thanks!
<< <i>Nah, I like posting here and I don't have a vested interest in the game either way.
But I do admit I find a special kind of happiness in shredding your posts after you tried to insult my intelligence - thanks! >>
Hey, if your scared just say your scared fat boy. But could you imagine what your life would be like if you couldn't post here for an entire month though? OH my Horror, you would go out of your mind! I would be willing to bet you would take solice in lots and lots of comfort food huh! McDonalds double cheeseburgers, fries and cokes- super sized ofcourse... Maybe a few chocolate frappes? LOL Could you imagine!